California’s Central Valley, home to more than 80 ethnic and cultural groups, is rich in untold stories and creative potential. Yet for many young and emerging artists, access to film education, mentorship and professional opportunities remains out of reach.
“When a Southeast Asian American student once asked me, ‘Even someone like me?’ after I told a class they could all become filmmakers, it broke my heart,” said Oscar-winning screenwriter and Valley native Pam Wallace. “His question reflected the barriers many in our community face — and that’s why this institute has to be built here, in the Valley.”
From that need, came vision for the Central California Film and TV Institute — a collaborative effort between Wallace, Fresno State professors Candace Egan and Jes Therkelsen (pictured), and a growing network of educators, artists and community partners.
“The institute will provide access, mentorship and the creative community our students and local artists deserve,” Egan said.
As the institute begins to take shape, Fresno State will host a preview with a mini-conference from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Resnick Student Union (Room 207) and the Speech Arts building (Room 172).
The event highlights the emerging institute’s focus on creating a cinematic arts and cultural center that empowers diverse voices, promotes media literacy and builds lasting opportunities in film and television for the Central Valley.
The free, half-day mini-conference includes panels, workshops, screenings and prize giveaways designed to connect students, aspiring creatives and media professionals in a region historically underserved by the film industry. Conference presenters and panelists include “Survivor” and Fresno State University Marketing and Communication cinematographer Jeff Phillips, “Virgin River” writer Rachel Borders, filmmakers from “A Group of Ferrets” production group and “Tremendum Pictures” and other writers, producers, editors and actors.
Now in the fundraising stage, the Central California Film and TV Institute plans to offer a slate of programming including a young filmmaker program offering training and mentorship for local youth, women in film and television mentorship connecting aspiring female storytellers with industry pros, senior screenwriters program supporting writers 55-plus, a screenwriting program for incarcerated individuals and a film production laboratory offering hands-on experience with industry professionals.
“These programs will not only build creative skills but also stimulate economic investment, civic participation and community pride,” Therkelsen said. “We’re helping to build a home for storytellers of all ages who want to make an impact — without having to leave the Central Valley.”
